Hot Issues

There are no known GMO crops of popcorn in the U.S. All popcorn is GMO free, even if it is not labeled non-GMO.

Whole Grain

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Popcorn is a 100% unprocessed healthy, whole grain. It contains the bran, germ, and endosperm. One serving can provide about 70 % of the recommended daily intake of whole grain.

Gluten Free

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Popcorn is gut friendly. It does not contain gluten.

Low Fat

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Popcorn is virtually fat-free (only 0.1 g per cup)

Low Calorie

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Contains only 100 to 150 calories in a serving of 5 popped cups.

Sugar-Free

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Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives, and is sugar-free.

Popcorn (Microwave)

Yes

No

Details

Added diacetyl

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Diacetyl is a flavoring ingredient formerly used in foods like popcorn, caramel and dairy products. More than 10 years ago—in 2007—popcorn manufacturers removed diacetyl from their products. Microwave popcorn does not contain diacetyl today.

Added PFOA

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PFOAs are not intentionally used in or added to microwave popcorn bags; rather, if found they are incidental. PFOAs are found in almost every place in our world today including forests and polar bears.

Carcinogens

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There are no carcinogens in popcorn. The FDA has approved microwave popcorn, as it is a healthy whole grain high in nutrients.

Brown Bag Alternative

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Brown paper bags are not made for use in the microwave. While they are safe for their intended non-heated use, they contain more volatiles than microwave bags. Heating releases these volatiles. There has been extensive research and resources that have gone into the development of microwave popcorn bags to ensure the product is safe for consumption, and they create a delicious end result for the consumer.

Safe

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Microwave popcorn bags are safe and the product is FDA approved.

Microwave Popcorn Does Not Cause Cancer

Does microwave popcorn cause cancer? No, microwave popcorn does not cause cancer, nor does it contain any carcinogens or GMOs. [1] It comes from the same seeds as every other type of popcorn. Microwave popcorn is FDA approved for consumption. Microwave popcorn bags are likewise considered safe and approved by the FDA.

Popcorn is a healthy grain and a healthy food. [2] It is a whole-grain food with no additional chemicals.

From a nutrition standpoint, plain microwave popcorn is a safe, whole grain snack. Some types of microwave popcorn may contain additional ingredients of varying nutritional value including artificial flavors, which provide consumers with different flavor choices. Of course, plain microwave popcorn is always available as well. As with all food products, always check the label for complete information on ingredients and nutritional value.

"Popcorn Lung" - The Facts

What is Popcorn Lung? “Popcorn lung” is a common, but inaccurate and misleading name for the medical condition bronchiolitis obliterans. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the lung's tiniest airways, the bronchioles.

Some common causes of bronchiolitis obliterans include inhaling chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, welding fumes and food-flavoring fumes. Respiratory infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, or Mycoplasma pneumonia have been linked with bronchiolitis obliterans as well. See a healthcare professional for a complete list of causes and possible treatments for “popcorn lung.” [3]

“Popcorn lung” is not caused by eating popcorn.

The term “popcorn lung” was coined over a decade ago when workers in a microwave popcorn factory were sickened by breathing in diacetyl—an ingredient formerly used in foods like popcorn, caramel and dairy products. Shortly thereafter, in 2007, popcorn manufacturers removed diacetyl from their products. [4]

The former use of diacetyl is also the reason why “popcorn lung” is sometimes associated with e-cigarettes, or vaping. Some e-cigarette flavors contain diacetyl as an ingredient, and it is a possible cause of bronchiolitis obliterans. Popcorn itself is not.

Popcorn Nutrition Facts

Popcorn is a whole grain that is 100-percent unprocessed with no additional additives, hidden ingredients, or GMOs. Additionally, popcorn is relatively high in fiber and has a good glycemic index (GI) of 55. [5]

In fact, one serving of popcorn can provide about 70-percent of an individual’s recommended daily intake of whole grain. It contains no cholesterol, it is virtually fat-free (only 0.1 g per cup) and contains only 100 to 150 calories in a serving of five popped cups. Popcorn also contains a number of essential vitamins including: folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6, A, E and K. [6] A serving of popcorn contains about 8-percent of the daily value of iron, with lesser amounts of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. [7]

Popcorn is a good snack for diabetics as it does not impact blood sugar levels. [8] Additionally, the USDA Agricultural Research Service says “low GI diets have proven health benefits. They improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with type 1, as well as type 2, diabetes. Because they are slowly absorbed, they help in weight control because they help control appetite and delay hunger. Fiber is good for diabetics because research suggests that it helps to control blood sugar levels by slowing gastric emptying.” [9]

Popcorn is FDA approved for consumption and its packaging is also approved for consumer use.